WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of the Interior announced a series of impactful initiatives this week aimed at promoting energy independence, revitalizing coal regions, and fostering outdoor recreation. These measures further the Biden administration’s objectives to modernize public land usage, stimulate economic growth, and preserve environmental integrity.
Outdated Regulations Rescinded to Streamline Energy Development
On Monday, June 3, the Department rescinded 18 outdated Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regulations, paving the way for more efficient energy development on public lands. The announcement marks a critical milestone in reducing bureaucratic barriers that hinder innovation and economic activity.
“This effort embodies our dedication to removing bureaucratic red tape that hinders American innovation and energy production,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “By rescinding these outdated regulations, we are not only reducing costs and streamlining processes but also reinforcing our commitment to energy independence and national prosperity.”
The rescission aligns with Executive Order 14154, which mandates federal agencies to offset regulatory costs by eliminating burdensome rules. The regulations targeted for removal addressed topics ranging from geothermal and oil shale leases to mineral claim requirements. These measures are expected to save administrative resources while maintaining rigorous environmental standards.
$119 Million Allocated for Abandoned Mine Reclamation
On Wednesday, June 4, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) made available over $119 million in abandoned mine land (AML) grants for states and tribes. These funds, drawn from fees on coal production, will be used to mitigate hazards at legacy mining sites, improve public safety, and repurpose land for new uses.
“These grants reflect our ongoing commitment to the people and places that have powered this country for generations,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Adam Suess.
Funding distribution is based on past and current coal production levels, with Wyoming, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia receiving some of the largest shares. Since the program began in 1977, over $8.6 billion has been distributed through AML grants, highlighting the federal government’s sustained focus on supporting coal-reliant communities.
Expansion of Coal Country Investment
The Department also announced $130 million in funding through the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program on Thursday, June 5. This initiative invests in transforming former coal mining lands into economic and job-generating hubs through projects such as infrastructure development, renewable energy installations, and commercial redevelopment.
Funds will be distributed to states like Kentucky, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, as well as tribal programs for the Crow Tribe, Hopi Tribe, and Navajo Nation. “These investments are transforming abandoned mine lands into hubs of economic opportunity, job creation, and local innovation,” Suess stated.
Approval of Bull Mountains Mining Plan
On Friday, June 6, the Department greenlit a modification to the mining plan of the Bull Mountains coal mine in Montana. This approval extends the mine’s operational life by up to nine years, allowing Signal Peak Energy to extract an additional 22.8 million tons of federal coal and 34.5 million tons of adjacent non-federal coal.
“This is what energy leadership looks like,” Burgum said, emphasizing the mine’s economic benefits, including over $1 billion in combined wages, taxes, and business activity for local and state economies. He also noted its role in supplying critical energy exports to allies like Japan and South Korea under President Trump’s energy emergency directives.
Expansion of National Recreation Trails
The Department designated five new National Recreation Trails this past week, adding 387 miles to the National Trails System. Notable additions include California’s Miner’s Ravine Trail, Virginia’s Elizabeth River Trail, and the multi-state Ohio River Way.
“These trails enrich local economies, boost tourism, and promote outdoor recreation for all Americans,” said Burgum.
By integrating energy innovation, economic revitalization, and conservation efforts, the Interior Department continues to drive progress across multiple fronts, reflecting its commitment to balancing developmental and environmental priorities.
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